Integrated center stack electronic module retention system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle interior trim panel comprising a mounting opening with opposing walls for slidably engaging a component into fixed relationship with the mounting opening wherein molded features in the walls of the mounting opening engage the component to align and fixedly retain the component in the mounting opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application60/392,084 filed Jun. 28, 2002.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to a more robust design for anautomotive center stack structure that serves to align and containelectronic modules within mounting openings. More particularly, thepresent invention relies on pinch-off features molded into the centerstack structure of a transportation vehicle to control vertical andhorizontal location of the module. The pinch-off features may becombined with extended snap-tabs interlockedly engaged with extendedtrim panel pins to control fore-aft location and to secure the module inthe opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Instrument panels or dashboards for modern vehicles (cars,trucks, buses, airplanes, boats, etc.) are generally comprised of aseries of modules integrated together to form a rather complex cockpitassembly which may be installed as a single unit into a forward portionof the vehicle occupant space. The instrument panel reinforcementstructure serves as a skeleton or support based for various majorcomponents to be mounted upon, such as a steering column assembly, pedalassembly, glove box, passenger side air bag assembly, instrumentcluster, entertainment/information system, heating/ventilation/airconditioning unit, radio, tape deck, CD player, clock, and telematicsdevices such as GPS. The “center stack” area of the vehicle instrumentpanel generally is where many of these components are “stacked” so thattheir controls are within easy reach of the driver. The center stackarea may comprise a number of these components in vertical alignment inthe center of the instrument panel or may comprise a center console, aseparate molded structure that contains the components and extends backbetween the front seats of the vehicle to provide additional storagecapacity as ell as an area for the shifting lever.

[0004] It should be noted that all references made herein to directionssuch as left, right, front, rear, forward and rearward are relative tothe vehicle as a whole. That is, the “front” surface of the instrumentpanel is toward the front end of the vehicle, and the “rear” surface isthat which is directly in front of an occupant of the vehicle when theinstrument panel is installed in the vehicle.

[0005] Common concerns when installing components and modules into aninstrument panel in order to project a high quality of workmanship tothe consumer include squeaks and rattles, gaps—especially ofnon-parallel lines and electrical connectivity. For these reasons,alignment and retention of components and modules is an importantcritera in the design, testing and evaluation of instrument panels. Inaddition, since some of the components are relatively heavy, retentionduring and after a vehicle impact must also be considered.

[0006] Currently, most components and modules are retained by fastenerssuch as screws, clips, etc. These devices do not allow for easy removalof the component for service and do little to ensure alignment of thecomponent in all three planes (up-down, left-right, and fore-aft).

[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,873,749 and 6,048,020 both to Yazaki Corp.,disclose electrical interconnection modules and means for mounting theseinto openings in an instrument panel and are directed at making a solidelectrical connection.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,572 issued to General Motors Corporationdiscloses a mounting assembly comprising a device, such as a radio, withopposing vertical sides, and an instrument panel including a recesshaving a rearward access opening and opposing spaced-apart sidewalls.Each sidewall has a dovetail rail which cooperates with tapered dovetailslide members which are fixedly mounted to the opposing sides of thedevice. These secure the device in the instrument pane, yet allowrelatively easy removal.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,668 to Fujitsu Ten Limited discloses amounting structure for a device such as a radio, which comprises amounting tube fixed in the mounting hole of the panel. Elastic pieceshaving detent pawls formed at the end parts are inserted into detentholes and dislocated angularly to retain the device. Similarly, U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,238,417B1; 5,676,338; 5,366,186; 4,867,398 and 4,053,130disclose means for locating devices in instrument panel openings butrely on additional components (rails, brackets, clips, etc.) to engagethe device with the walls of the opening.

[0010] Each of the major components and modules assembled into thecenter stack of the vehicle has its own dimensional tolerances which arebuilt into the design, materials and processes used to manufacture andassemble the component or module. Since plastic parts shrink in sizeupon molding and cooling, this size reduction must be factored into thedesign of the component to ensure a tight fit. Likewise, metalassemblies, such as a radio chassis, are composed of a series of smallersub-components fitted together, and bring along a stacking of tolerancesfrom each of the individual components. Matching the shrinkage ofplastic parts and the stack-up of tolerances on metal assemblies toprovide a predictable fit having no gaps or rattles and reliableelectrical connectivity is an ongoing problem in the automotiveindustry.

[0011] What is needed is an instrument panel retainer incorporatingmolded features in the center stack area which can align and positivelylocate slidably engaged electronic modules and the like, in a mannerwhich compensates for tolerance stack-up between mating, components,while yielding a pleasing appearance to the vehicle occupants,minimizing aggravating rattles during use and providing more reliableelectronic connectivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is the object of the present invention to overcome thelimitations of known instrument panel and console structures byproviding an overall design of molded features located, angled andintegrated in such a manner as to error-proof the assembly of themodules and components into the retaining structure. The molded featuresfixedly retain said components without the need for additional fastenerssuch as screws, bolts, clips, etc, yet allow removal for servicing.

[0013] According to the invention, this object is achieved by moldingtapered “pinch-off” features strategically located on the instrumentpanel structure in the center stack mounting opening to guide theslidable engagement of the modules or components in both left-right (x)and up-down (y) planes.

[0014] It is a further object to include retention features in theinstrument panel structure and matching features in the exterior of thecomponent or module to provide a hard stop such as a ridge or shoulderthat can firmly retain the component in the fore-aft (z) plane, yetallow the component to be removed easily, by not requiring the use offasteners.

[0015] It is a further object to provide snap-tab features on the sidesof the mounting opening which may positively engage into a matchingdepression or hole in the module or component outer wall to ensurecomponent location and retention.

[0016] It is still further object of the invention to provide pins whichproject from the back of the decorative trim panel toward the module,and removably engage with the snap tabs to prevent accidental dislodgingof the module, eliminating the need for traditional fasteners.

[0017] It is still further object of this invention to bias all of thesefeatures towards a single forward corner of the mounting opening toprovide a highly repeatable connector alignment and highly reliableelectrical connectivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent upon consideration of the description of theinvention and the appended drawings in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle instrument panel with acenter stack area.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an alternate construction for a vehicle instrument panelwith a center stack.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a top view of the center stack area of FIG. 2 embodyingthe present invention.

[0022]FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative design of the center stackarea of FIG. 2 embodying the present invention

[0023]FIG. 3B is a top view of an alternative design of the center stackarea of FIG. 2 embodying the present invention

[0024]FIG. 3C is a top view of an alternative design of the center stackarea of FIG. 2 embodying the present invention

[0025]FIG. 4 is a side view of the center stack area of FIG. 2 embodyingthe present invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a partial view of one embodiment of the center stackarea of FIG. 2 embodying the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a feature of FIG. 3.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a front view of the center stack area of FIG. 2embodying the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken through line A-A of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] For elements common to the various embodiments of the invention,the numerical reference character between the embodiments is heldconstant, but distinguished by the addition of an alphanumeric characterto the existing numerical reference character. In other words, forexample, an element referenced at 10 in the first embodiment iscorrespondingly referenced at 10A, 10B, and so forth in subsequentembodiments. Thus, where an embodiment description uses a referencecharacter to refer to an element, the reference character appliesequally, as distinguished by alphanumeric character, to the otherembodiments where the element is common.

[0031] Instrument panel assemblies in current motor vehicles aregenerally a series of modules assembled to a complex molded plastic orcomposite substructure. The substructure often is reinforced with metalbrackets, cross-car beams or composite moldings containing reinforcingmaterials. The surface of the substructure may be integrally formed ofthermoplastic to form a hard panel or covered with a soft thin skin ofvinyl, urethane or olefin backed with a soft foam layer to yield a plushfeeling surface.

[0032] The molded plastic substructure is generally injection molded dueto its complex and varied shape which may include undercuts, die locks,ribs, bosses and attachment features. In some instances, other processessuch a blow molding, compression molding structural RIM (glassreinforced) urethane and insert molding of reinforcing beams andbrackets have been used. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,364,159 and5,556,153 commonly assigned to the assignee of the present invention andincluded herein by reference.

[0033] Often, due to the multitude of requirements placed on thesestructures, for instance, to provide controlled crush resistance, tosustain high heat loads without deflection, to provide structuralsupport for the steering column, pedal and air bag assemblies, allstyled into a smooth pleasing aesthetic appearance, the structure maycomprise major modules fastened together. Generally, these may comprisea cross-car beam and instrument panel retainer, cross-car ducting forthe HVAC system and a separate center stack assembly housing. Sincethere are numerous smaller components and modules subsequently attachedto the cross-car structure, it is often impossible to mold all thefeatures, angles, die locks etc. in a single injection mold.

[0034] The instrument panel substructure or retainer, whether itcomprises an integrated or separate center stack, requires the use of arelatively rigid thermoplastic to meet the aforementioned requirements.Materials such as polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS)blends, polyphenylene oxide, styrene maleic anhydride (SMA), andpolypropylene (PP) whether unfilled or filled with talc or glass fibersmay fulfill the requirements.

[0035] In this invention, preferably either a separate center stackassembly may be attached to a main retainer, or the center stackassembly may be integrally formed as a part of the instrument panelretainer or substructure, to form the mounting openings for components,such as but not limited to, a glove box, radio, CD player, HVAC controlmodule or telematics devices.

[0036] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle body10 that has an instrument panel construction 12 that includes astructural instrument panel carrier or substructure 14 in accordancewith the invention. The structural instrument panel carrier 14 allowsfor mounting instrument panel components in the motor vehicle body 10between the side stanchions or A-pillars 16. These A-pillars are locatedat a juncture of passenger and engine compartments and typically carryhinges for supporting swinging front vehicle doors.

[0037] The A-pillars 16 are typically connected by a cross beam at thecowl, and in this case, the structural instrument panel carrier 14 isconnected to the A-pillars 16 at each end to reinforce the vehicle bodyand increase its torsional rigidity. The structural instrument panelcarrier 14 is molded as one piece of strong thermoplastic material,preferably a fiber-filled thermoplastic material or blend such asPC/ABS, SMA or PP.

[0038] The upper back panel 18 has a central opening 24 for a heating,ventilating, air conditioning (“HVAC”) module 26 that includes a fan andinlet and outlet ducts for connection to an air distribution system. Thelower back panel 20 has an opening 28 for a steering column assembly 30that may carry an instrument package 32. The steering column opening 28,which is on the driver's side of the vehicle, is laterally spaced fromthe central opening 24 of the upper panel 18.

[0039] The shelf panel 22 and the lower back panel 20 each have aportion on the passenger side of the vehicle that extends far enough tospan the central opening 24 in the upper back panel 18 and preferablyextends all the way to the steering column opening 28.

[0040] The structural carrier 14 also has two laterally spaced verticalwalls 34 at the sides of the central opening 24 in the upper back panel18 that are integrally connected to respective edges from the upper backpanel 18 defining the center stack area 24. The vertical walls 34project rearwardly from the upper back panel 18 with their bottom edgesbeing integrally connected to the shelf panel 22 that spans the centralopening 24. The laterally spaced vertical walls 34 provide a compartmentfor a portion of the HVAC module 26 and increase the torsional rigidityand bending strength of the one-piece structural carrier 14.

[0041] The supper back panel 18 comprises an upper section 36 and alower section 38 that are interconnected by a rib 40 that projectsrearwardly of the sections 36 and 38 to support instrument panelcomponents that face the passenger compartment, such as air bag module42 and to support other instrument panel components, such as glove box44 in cooperation with the shelf panel 22. The rib 40 has portions oneither side of the central opening 28 that are integrally connected tothe vertical walls 34 respectively.

[0042] In the center stack area, the structural instrument panel carrier14 further comprises a short shelf 52 that is connected to the verticalwalls 34 and the shelf panel 22 to provide a compartment for aninstrument panel component, such as radio 54. The shelf 52 itself alsoprovides support for an instrument panel component such as an HVACcontrol module 56.

[0043] Also shown are air duct nozzles 48 that may snap-fit into aplurality of air passage openings 50 to distribute air to the passengercompartment of the vehicle.

[0044] An alternate construction of an instrument panel carrier orsubstructure is shown in FIG. 2 having reference numerals correspondingto FIG. 1. In this example the center stack 24A has been formedseparately and attached to the carrier structure 14A. Molding the centerstack area separately allows for a less complex design for the injectionmolding tool which forms the carrier 14A, reducing not only designcomplexity, but tool cost and molding cycle time.

[0045] Also shown in FIG. 2 are the mounting openings 50A for the airduct nozzle (not shown) as well as mounting openings 46, 48, 58 and 60for the glove box module, air bag module, HVAC control and radio module,respectively.

[0046] Focusing now on the center stack area, the details of theinvention will be described. In one preferred exemplary embodiment, aradio module or chassis will be used to describe how an overall desiredcomponent fit may be achieved. The same features as herein described maybe applied to any of the aforementioned components, modules orassemblies which may be installed into the instrument panel area orother interior trim component. The objective is to obtain a balancebetween an error-proof, overall fit of the component into the mountingopening, and ease of installation.

[0047]FIG. 3 is a top view of the center stack 24A of FIG. 2. A radiomodule 62 is shown installed in the mounting opening 60A in FIG. 3.Features which are molded into the respective walls of the center stackarea 24A include a plurality of tongue-like projections 64 or pinch-offsthat extend rearward in car from the upper shelf 52, 52A as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 respectively, to locate the radio module in the up-down(y) direction. As shown in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 8 in sectional view) theseare hollowed out shapes that are angled or drafted on their lowersurface 65 so that as a radio module may be slidably engaged into amounting opening. The dimensional fit becomes tighter as the radiomodule is pushed further forward into the opening. The tongue-likehollowed-out projections thus can be deformed slightly by the force ofthe radio module being inserted into the mounting opening to ensure asnug fit in the up-down plane.

[0048] Turning again to a top view of the center stack area (FIG. 3), asimilar tongue-like projection or molded pinch-off 64B is shown at theforward right side corner of the mounting opening 60A for the radiomodule 62. This feature forces the radio module when slidably engaged,towards the left side wall 34A (34 in FIG. 1) of the center stack 24Aand in combination with the features 64A in the top wall of the mountingopening, bias the radio module towards the lower left hand corner of themounting opening 60A where the electrical connectors for the radio arelocated. This substantially reduces the variation due to tolerancestack-up that the pins and matching electrical connectors willencounter.

[0049]FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting opening 60B with thetongue-like projection firmly engaging the top of the radio module 62Aand the right side projection 64B′ forcing the module towards the leftside of the mounting opening 60B.

[0050] Turning again to FIG. 3, the retention features of this inventionwill now be described. Snap-tabs 66 molded, as part of the side wall 34Aof the mounting-opening engage with matching depressions in the side ofthe radio module 62. In some instances, the depressions may be in theform of a hole or slot. As shown in the side view in FIG. 4 these snaptabs are long fingers extending rearward in car separated from the sidewall 34A by a molded-in gap 70 such they are cantilevered. The endfeature 72 of the snap tab 66 is forked to receive a pin 74 (see FIGS. 3& 7) extending from the close-out face plate 76 that covers the face ofthe radio module 62. When the face plate is snapped into place aroundthe radio, the pins 74 engage between the forks of the snap tab endfeature 72 to force the snap tab end feature 72 into hard contact withthe mating depression 80 in the side radio module 62. This is shown inFIG. 5 in a separated condition where the snap tab 66B has not yetfirmly engaged the radio module 62C in the depression 80 in the sidewall. Once the face plate 76A is installed, the pin 74A will force thesnap tab feature 72B into the depression 80. This constructioneliminates the need for fasteners to hold the face plate in place on theradio. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, an alternate construction forthe snap tab 66B is shown to increase the stiffness and retentioncapability of the end feature 72B. This alternate construction includesa rib 82 molded onto the outside surface of the snap tab. Retentionfeatures such as shoulders 78 or rings may be included as part of thepin extending forward in car from the face plate to engage with theforked feature 72B of the snap tab and prevent accidental removal of theface plate 76A. FIG. 6 shows this alternate construction for the end ofthe pin 74C. In the instance where a particularly heavy component ormodule is used, it may be necessary to insert-mold sections of metalinto areas of the center stack plastic substructure to providedimensional stability and ensure retention of the component in the caseof a vehicle impact.

[0051] In another embodiment, the end feature 72A off the snap tab 66Acan have a slot or hole molded in for location to the pin 74A.Alternatively, since fasteners are not required of the face plate inthis design, it may be integrated into a larger face plate foradditional modules installed in the center stack area reducing partcount. An additional alternative design in the instance where no trimpanel is required to close out the occupant facing surface of thecomponent, involves the pin 74 a extending forward in car from aperipheral flange on the component 62 c to interface with the forkedfeature 72 b of the snap tab 66 b.

[0052] Other design alternatives for more secure retention of heavycomponents, if needed, and for addressing reinstallation of thecomponent after servicing are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. In FIG. 3A, a “snapand trap” design is employed to provide an additional retention featurein the center stack molding. Rather than using a snap tab 66 in theright side mounting wall 34A of the mounting opening 60A, (as shown inFIG. 3), a solid wall is molded with one or more short tabs or bosses100 extending locally laterally for a short distance from the peripheraledge at the rear of the mounting opening 60A. The component 62 is theninstalled by sliding it forward (in car) into the mounting opening 60Aand past the tab 100. Once the rearward right corner of the component 62is past the tab 100, the component 62 may be shifted to the right andtrapped behind the tab 100 to further insure the solid location of thecomponent in the mounting opening. Arrow L describes this process.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 3B, a variation of the design features of FIG. 3Ais shown. Here, the right side wall 34A of the mounting opening 60A isas shown in FIG. 3A, including the tab 100 for “trapping” the component,and a portion of the left side wall 34A′ if the mounting opening 60Aincludes a spring leg 34″. The spring leg 34″ is preferably thicker thanthe normal wall section 34A′ and is designed to flex outward in thedirection of arrow M to allow the component 62 to be inserted into themounting opening 60A. The component 62 has one or more local tabs orflanges 102 that extend outward laterally from the rear (in-car) edge ofthe component 62. After the component 62 is securely installed in theopening 60A, the spring leg 34″, will spring back from its deflectedposition during installation and a screw 106 may be installed through ahole in the component tab or flange 102 and into a boss 108 in the endof the spring leg 34″.

[0054]FIG. 3C, addresses the instance where a component may be removedfor servicing and on re-installation, a condition exists whereadditional retention is required (for instance, a portion of a snap tab66 may have broken off in disassembly). This design alternative alsoprovides an option to include a minimum number of fasteners to hold aheavy component in place in the event of a vehicle impact. Here, thesidewalls 34A of the mounting opening 60A include molded-in bosses 108Awhich are located just forward of small openings 110 in the side wall34A. In the component 62 to be installed, there are u-shaped slots whichoutline tabs or flanges 112 which approximate the shape of the opening110 and are located to be closely aligned in fore-aft and up-down planeswith the openings 110. Upon installation of the component 62 into themounting opening, the tabs 112, which lie in the same plane as the sidewall of the component 62, may be accessed through the opening and bentoutward to meet the rearward surface of the bosses 108A. The tabs 112contain a hole through which a screw 106A may be inserted to secure thecomponent tab 112 to the boss 108A. The bosses, tabs and holes arelocated sufficiently rearward in car to be easily accessible from theinterior of the vehicle.

[0055]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment with additional features for errorproofing the installation of the radio module 62B. This is a front viewof the mounting opening 60B of the center stack 24A (see FIG. 2) showingthe molded tongue-like projections or pinch-off features 64C locatingthe top of radio module and the right hand projection 64B″ locating theright side of the radio module, biasing the installation towards thelower left hand corner of the mounting opening 60C where the electricalpins and corresponding connectors 82 have been placed. Additionalfeatures shown are the snap tab end features 72C engaged with the sidesof the radio module 62B at 80A. Further, three fins 90, 92 have beenbuilt into the top and bottom of the radio module 62B which slidablyengage with slots 94 in the top and bottom walls of the mounting opening60C to eror-proof the installation from any possibility of installingthe module upside down. The fins are asymmetrically placed on theopposing walls such that incorrect installation of the module isprevented. These pins and slots do not have to be snug or locating fitsas the aforementioned features of the present invention accomplish thatpurpose. Rather they are preferably designed to prevent incorrectinstallation.

[0056] Additionally, any of the four walls of the mounting opening 60can be tapered or drafter slightly, first to ease removal of the moldedpart from the injection molding tool, but also to guide the slidableengagement of the module towards an acceptable and secure registrationin the mounting opening.

[0057] Thus, it can be seen that the invention provides a new and novelcombination of molded features included in the center stack area of amotor vehicle instrument panel or console to reliably locate modules andcomponents in an overall fashion to compensate for tolerance stack-up.Additionally, the invention also provides for a reduction in the numberof or elimination of fasteners required while reducing the likelihood ofsqueaks, rattles and unsightly gaps in the viewing surface of theinstrument panel.

[0058] The description and drawings illustratively set forth thepresently preferred invention embodiments. The description and drawingsare intended to describe these embodiments and not to limit the scope ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that still othermodifications and variations of the present invention are possible inlight of the above teaching while remaining within the scope of thefollowing claims. Therefore, within the scope of the claims, one maypractice the invention otherwise than as the description and drawingsspecifically shown ad described.

I claim:
 1. A vehicle instrument panel assembly comprising: a structuralcarrier including a center stack for housing one or more componentswherein said center stack contains opposing walls including mountingopenings for slidably engaging said one or more components into fixedrelationship with said mounting openings, wherein molded features in thewalls of said mounting openings engage said one or more components toalign and fixedly retain said one or more components in the mountingopenings.
 2. The vehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid center stack molded features comprise fore-aft tongue-like moldedprojections in the walls of said center stack to align and fixedlyretain said one or more components within said mounting opening.
 3. Thevehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said center stackmolded features comprise elongated snap-tabs molded into the walls ofsaid center stack to engage with one of matching depressions and holesin said one or more components to align and fixedly retain said one ormore components in said mounting opening.
 4. The vehicle instrumentpanel assembly of claim 3, wherein said elongated snap-tabs engage withpins extended from the back surface of a finish trim plate of said oneor more components to lock said snap-tabs into said depressions.
 5. Thevehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said one or morecomponents include opposing mounting surfaces and said one or morecomponents are provided with projections on said two opposing mountingsurfaces which engage with matching grooves in the walls of saidmounting opening, said projections and said matching grooves beinglocated asymmetrically on said opposed mounting surfaces such that saidone or more components can only be installed in one orientation in saidmounting opening.
 6. The vehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1,wherein said one or more component is a radio module.
 7. The vehicleinstrument panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said one or more componentis an HVAC control module.
 8. The vehicle instrument panel assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more component is a compact disc player. 9.The vehicle, instrument panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said one ormore component is a cassette tape deck.
 10. The vehicle instrument panelassembly of claim 1, wherein said one or more component is an ashtraymodule.
 11. The vehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid one or more component is a storage bin.
 12. The vehicle instrumentpanel assembly of claim 1, wherein said one or more component is aninstrument cluster.
 13. The vehicle instrument panel assembly of claim1, wherein said one or more component is a center console.
 14. Thevehicle instrument panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said one or morecomponent is an HVAC outlet.
 15. The vehicle instrument panel assemblyof claim 1, wherein said one or more components is a telematics devicefor providing or accessing information.
 16. A vehicle instrument panelcenter stack for housing one or more components comprising a pluralityof mounting openings for slidably engaging said one or more componentsinto fixed relationship within said mounting opening; wherein moldedfeatures in the walls of said mounting openings engage said one or morecomponents to align and fixedly retain said components in said mountingopenings.
 17. The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16,wherein said center stack molded features comprise fore-aft tongue-likemolded projections in the walls of said center stack to fixedly engageand locate said one or more components within said mounting opening. 18.The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16, wherein saidcenter stack molded features comprise elongated snap-tabs molded intothe walls of said center stack to fixedly engage with one of matchingdepressions and holes in said one or more components to retain saidcomponent in said mounting opening.
 19. The vehicle instrument panelcenter stack of claim 16, wherein said elongated snap-tabs engage withpins extended from the back surface of a finish trim plate of saidcomponent to lock said snap-tabs into said depression.
 20. The vehicleinstrument panel center stack of claim 16, wherein said one or morecomponents include opposing mounting surfaces and said one or morecomponents are provided with projections on said opposing mountingsurfaces which engage with matching grooves in the walls of saidmounting opening, said projections and said matching grooves beinglocated asymmetrically on said opposed mounting surfaces such that saidone or more components can only be installed in one orientation in saidmounting opening.
 21. The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim16, wherein said one or more components is a radio module.
 22. Thevehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16, wherein said one ormore components is an HVAC control module.
 23. The vehicle instrumentpanel center stack of claim 16, wherein said one or more components is acompact disc player.
 24. The vehicle instrument panel center stack ofclaim 16, wherein said one or more components is a cassette tape deck.25. The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16, wherein saidone or more components is an ashtray module.
 26. The vehicle instrumentpanel center stack of claim 16, wherein said one or more components is astorage bin.
 27. The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16,wherein said one or more components is an instrument cluster.
 28. Thevehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16, wherein said one ormore components is a center console.
 29. The vehicle instrument panelcenter stack of claim 16, wherein said one or more components is an HVACoutlet.
 30. The vehicle instrument panel center stack of claim 16,wherein said one or more components is a telematics device for providingor accessing information.
 31. A vehicle interior trim panel comprising amounting opening with opposing walls for slidably engaging a componentinto fixed relationship with said mounting opening wherein moldedfeatures in said walls of said mounting opening engages said componentto align and fixedly retain said component in said mounting opening. 32.The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said mountingopening molded features comprise fore-aft tongue-like molded projectionsin the walls of said mounting opening to align and fixedly retain saidcomponent within said mounting opening.
 33. The vehicle interior trimpanel of claim 31, wherein said mounting opening molded featurescomprise elongated snap-tabs molded into the walls of said mountingopening to align and engage with matching depressions in said componentto retain said component in said mounting opening.
 34. The vehicleinterior trim panel of claim 31, wherein elongated snap-tabs engage withpins extended from the back surface of a finish trim plate of saidcomponent to lock said snap-tabs into said depressions.
 35. The vehicleinterior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said mounting opening isprovided with projections on opposing mounting surfaces which engagewith matching grooves in the walls of said mounting opening, saidprojections and said matching grooves being located asymmetrically onsaid opposed mounting surfaces such that said component can only beinstalled in one orientation in said mounting opening.
 36. The vehicleinterior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is a radiomodule.
 37. The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31, wherein saidcomponent is an HVAC control module.
 38. The vehicle interior trim panelof claim 31, wherein said component is a compact disc player.
 39. Thevehicle interior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is acassette tape deck.
 40. The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31,wherein said component is an ashtray module.
 41. The vehicle interiortrim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is a storage bin.
 42. Thevehicle interior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is aninstrument cluster.
 43. The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31,wherein said component is a center console.
 44. The vehicle interiortrim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is an HVAC outlet. 45.The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is aglove box module.
 46. The vehicle interior trim panel of claim 31,wherein said component is an air bag module.
 47. The vehicle interiortrim panel of claim 31, wherein said component is a telematics devicefor providing or accessing information.